‘The Uninvited’ (written and directed by Nadia Conners) follows an affluent couple, Sammy and Rose, in the Hills, throwing a star-studded soiree in their backyard for Sammy’s clients from his agency firm. However, when an unexpected guest derails the night, a heartfelt comedy of errors ensues for Rose. THE UNINVITED featuring Walton Goggins, Pedro Pascal, Elizabeth Reaser and Rufus Sewell, will be released in UK cinemas from 9th May 2025.
Following its official release at South by Southwest film festival in 2024, viewers have waited almost a full year for ‘The Uninvited’ cinema release. This comedy-drama is busy with emotions; the film follows the party as it unravels in real time against the beautiful backdrop of the couple’s house. There is a sense of underlying tension from the opening as information about Sammy (Walter Goggins) and Rose’s (Elizabeth Reaser) relationship weaves an elaborate tapestry about their lives. Sammy’s success as an agent is cut short after his dismissal at the firm, whilst Rose struggles with her transition from acting to motherhood. This is only amplified when the presence of a confused elderly woman (Helen, played by Lois Smith) in their driveway, pushes them to explore buried feelings about the origin of their marriage and their lives moving forward.
Whilst the film hops between Sammy and Rose’s narratives, at its heart this is a story of return and rebirth for a woman. Rose is trapped at her own party between younger actresses and the arrival of the elderly Helen, symbolising what might have been as well as what she may one day become.The addition of an old flame (Pedro Pascal) only dredges up more feelings, as she speaks with Helen about her regrets of becoming a mother and her marriage to Sammy. It’s really great to see more films exploring the negativity associated with female aging and the sense of purposelessness one might feel when becoming a mother, having given everything to help support the life others build around you.
With quick lines and dry jokes, ‘The Uninvited’ takes a bitter-sweet review of aging and isolation against the backdrop of a buzzing party.
Director Nadia Conners said: “I am eager to share this film with an audience as it has landed at aunique moment in our culture where the costs and rewards of motherhood are being explored more widely. I am encouraged by the festival audiences reaction to the story as it delves into the multiple rolls women must juggle all while losing contact with their own selfhood.
As a 54-year-old woman making her narrative directorial debut, I feel compelled to underscore that the road to this later than anticipated outing is a beautiful product of the exact struggle between worklife and homelife.
The comedy and the pathos has resonated with women and hearing the laughter and sharing in the emotion afterwards has been one of the greatest experiences of making the film. I hope that with a bigger platform the experience of the film – of feeling seen will continue to resonate.”
Producer Rosie Fellner said: “From the first read of Nadia’s script, as a working mother, I felt a deep connection to the story’s authenticity and the courage behind it. Bringing this vision to life has been a labor of love, and I am deeply grateful to Ari & Carlos and the Foton Pictures team for their unwavering support and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
Credit: Written by Grace Sanders
